Wartsila has signed an operation and maintenance agreement for the Najran Cement Co. (NCC) Power Plant, in Saudi Arabia. The plant consists of 11 x W18V32 generating sets, each having a capacity of 7 MW thus delivering 77 MW totally at two different locations. NCC President Dr. Ahmed A. Zugail and Atul Dua, managing director, Wartsila Power Contracting Co. Ltd. (WPCCL) signed the deal. One of the two power plants, with the capacity of 56 MW, will power the main cement plant consisting of clinkering and grinding facilities with 6,000 and 3,000 tons per day capacity in two lines. The other power plant, with the capacity of 21 MW, will power an upcoming grinding unit located approximately 150 km away from the main cement plant. They will also meet the power needs of housing facilities and other utilities. The contract is for five years. The cement plant is under commissioning phase and production is likely to commence in the third quarter of 2007, Dr. Zugail said.

Amouage

Amouage has launched a re-worked Ciel in Saudi Arabia with an increased concentration of perfume, which means it has become in reality an Eau de Parfum even though it is still modestly called Eau de Toilette. Ciel, for women and men have been hailed by perfume connoisseurs as fragrances which evoke reminiscences of a rain shower or a hot day, providing a cooling and invigorating effect. Created by internationally-celebrated master perfumers in Grasse in the south of France, Ciel for women is pure, delicate and floral, featuring notes of gardenia, cyclamen, jasmine and water-lily in the top notes, with a base of silver frankincense. Ciel for men is a fresh fougere with top notes of lavender, jasmine and lily-of-the-valley over a warm, green base of vetyver, cedar and silver frankincense. “Ciel is the ideal fragrance for the summer as it provides a soothing luxurious touch to the scorching heat,” said Amouage CEO David Crickmore.

KIA

Seoul-based KIA Motors Corporation has revealed the first ‘preview image’ of its new KIA Pro-cee’d three-door hatchback model which will make its world premiere at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show on Sept. 11. Based closely on the earlier pro-cee’d concept car shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, the new production model has been developed by KIA’s design team in Europe under the direction of Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. “Longer, lower and lighter than its five-door sister car, the new KIA Pro-cee’d is going to be a great drive,” Jean-Charles Lievens, senior vice president, KIA Motors Europe, said. “Combining real style and genuine practicality, our cee’d three-door car is sure to delight existing KIA customers and attract a new group of European consumers who have not yet considered our brand.” Manufactured in Slovakia, the Pro-cee’d will be the third member of the KIA cee’d family.

Al-Sadhan

Technical workshop activities for children at the Al-Sadhan Avenue Complex at Al-Rabwa District in Riyadh ended recently, with the support of Shater Magazine, whose editor-in-chief is Majed Al-Sadhan. More than 32 paintings approved by the organizing committee were presented. Saleh Al-Majed, deputy general manager of cultural affairs, said: “Such workshops are useful and they are in parallel with three other children’s technical workshops during the year. Participation of the Ministry of Culture and Information has helped enhance the event’s level. In addition to promoting art and increasing society’s awareness, such workshops are directed toward all children including the special needs groups. Workshop supervisor and technical art teacher for mentally challenged children, Hasan Al-Bisry, said: “Activities continued for five days and we witnessed a good level of attendance from talented children.

LG

LG Digital Appliance Company has announced the launch of its new microwave oven, New WAVEDOM. In addition to the many top-of-the-line functions consumers have come to expect from LG, the new microwave boasts enhanced aesthetic features including a choice of front panels to suit any kitchen environment. Just as LG’s multi-purpose microwave ovens with built-in toaster ovens or coffee makers previously attracted customers looking to free up kitchen counter space, this year’s new microwave oven will appeal to customers who seek more style in their home appliances. Having a full-glass front panel highlights the premium look of the new model. Simon Lee, GM, LG Electronics in Saudi Arabia said: “This stylish New WAVEDOM will be a perfect fit for customers who value style in their daily lives, as well as in their homes.” The New microwave oven was designed to match any kitchen interior.

GM

General Motors Middle East Operations (GM MEO) has selected Egypt-based Raya Contact Center (RCC) to manage communications with its customers across the Middle East. The call center will provide information to current and prospective customers and dealers on GM’s brands in the Middle East. Information includes after-sales service, warranty and roadside assistance as well prospecting and information on marketing offers. “RCC has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in meeting all our requirements,” said Manny Suriel, service manager at General Motors Middle East. “Through this new relationship we will have a better understanding of prospective and current customers’ needs and issues.” The center will provide services for Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, HUMMER and Saab customers in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates.

Sunsilk

Following Unilever Arabia’s recent successful launch of Sunsilk’s damaged hair repair system, Sunsilk now offers the Arabian woman the opportunity to win a trip of a lifetime. The range provides the latest in hair renewal products for damaged and brittle hair consisting of a shampoo, conditioner, styling and protecting cream, hair oil, and newly introduced intensive hair mask. The product, the new Sunsilk Intensive Hair Mask is packed with three times more concentrated olive oil serum to deeply nourish, quickly repair and fortify damaged hair from within, in three days. In addition, the olive oil serum in the entire range helps rebuild the hair’s natural cellular structure and seals it with a natural conditioning blanket, making the hair feel alive again. To get the chance to win a free trip to the finest and most luxurious spa in the world all that is required is to fill a coupon at one of Sunsilk’s stands in select shopping malls in the GCC.

Samsung

Samsung Gulf Electronics (SGE), a global leader in consumer electronics, yesterday announced the launch of the Samsung U3 MP3 player, the latest in its diverse MP3 player portfolio. “As one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung invests considerable time and resources to provide consumers with state-of-the art technology at highly competitive prices,” Narendra Menon, sales and marketing manager, Digital Media Business, SGE, said. “With all the consumer benefits in the U3 MP3 Player, we are certain that it is going to be a big hit with all music lovers. Our aim is to continuously improve our product offering by launching the very latest in affordable digital technology.” The U3 is a super-compact device, driven by flash memory and equipped with a slim USB connection that works straight from the box. Weighing only 22.8g, the U3 is available in five colors.